2023: Vote wisely, elect leaders who ‘ll unite Nigeria – Ndukuba

The Most Reverend Henry Ndukuba, Metropolitan Archbishop and Primate of the Anglican Communion of All Nigeria, says Nigerians must use their votes wisely and elect leaders who come together and put the interests of the country first.

Ndukuba made the call during the church’s 2022 Divine Commonwealth Conference in Abuja on Tuesday.

“The long-awaited peace that we yearn for can only be obtained from our elections and participation in the next elections,” he added.

The Primate said that Nigerians must continue to pray for safety, refuse to sell their votes and do the right thing in the elections.

He added that to achieve “a new Nigeria” all citizens must contribute to its growth, one of which is integrity and those who respect the rights of all citizens, not opportunists.

“Know that the politicians will want to win. Vote for the candidate who has the political will to stand and do the right thing for the people.

“Our security and freedom, our economy, and to truly fight corruption and not use your power to hunt down your enemies and opponents.

“Vote for leaders who don’t weaponize religion, tribe, poverty and insecurity for their selfish political advantage,” he added.

Archbishop Daniel Okoh, president of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), commended the Anglican Communion for its steadfastness and prayers for Nigeria.

He thanked the church for opposing immoral acts, including same-sex marriage and homosexuality.

The CAN president said that the divine purpose of knowing Christ and serving him promotes peace and unity.

“God is aware of our predicaments and when we submit to Him in prayers and supplications, there will be a change.

”The challenges facing the nation, with prayers, can be overcome.

“Nigeria will rise again to be great and in her season of plenty,” he added.

Okoh said church and religious leaders have a critical role to play in promoting tolerance, brotherhood, peace and unity.

“Avoid tendencies to short-hand negative acts, vote for candidates who can restore our land, go out en masse and vote,” he urged Nigerians.

He called on the Anglican Communion to be more visible in CAN activities, as their moral, spiritual and experienced hands are needed for the growth of the association.

In his speech, Delta Governor Ifeanyi Okowa urged the church to earnestly pray against all negative plots against the country.

Okowa, who is also the Vice Presidential candidate of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), said with prayers, the country cannot go wrong.

He urged Nigerians to pray and vote for better leadership that will redeem the nation during the upcoming general election.